LEXINGTON, Ky., Nov. 8 (UPI) -- Julius Randle capitalized on a busy night from the foul line Friday to help No. 1 Kentucky survive a sluggish effort and down North Carolina-Asheville 89-57.
The top-ranked Wildcats, seeking to bounce back from a lackluster 2012-13 season, finally warmed up late in the game to shoot 47 percent from the field. Kentucky's lead was a mere 10 points early in the second half before the Wildcats began to put the Bulldogs away in the opener to their campaign.
Kentucky shot 48 free throws, making 30. Randle was 11-of-13 from the line in scoring 23 points. He also had 15 rebounds.
Marcus Lee chipped in 17 points off the bench for the Wildcats.
Will Weeks produced 19 points and eight boards to pace North Carolina-Asheville.
